Songs like Chris Wollard and the Ship Thieves’ “Reason in My Rhyme” from their self-titled debut LP remind us why side projects and solo ventures by artists we love have a distinct allure that’s different from anticipating, say, the next Hot Water Music album. (No rush, guys, we’re still grooving on and grateful for Exister.) Wollard, who most know best from HWM, expertly strums out relatable storylines – the sort that always seem to find you at the right place and the right time. His delivery is easygoing but charged, and he says the songs he shares with the Ship Thieves are the product of compulsive artistry. Earlier this year, Wollard released Canyons featuring a consistent lineup as well as a consistent message: Think for yourself. While it’s not for us to contradict that by telling you not to miss this show, we think if you give the album a spin, you might make that decision anyway. – Ashley Belanger